NEWPORT ON RIGHT FOOT WITH LATEST PROJECT

Newport Galvanizers is celebrating the success of ongoing work being undertaken at a well-known premiership league football stadium.

The plant has teamed up with fellow South Wales based firm IPL Structural Services Ltd to provide its hot dip galvanizing treatment to over 25 tonnes of steel used in the development of Cardiff City Football Club.

The project, which created between 220 and 240 additional permanent seats between the club’s Grandstand and Canton Stand, will see the stadium’s capacity increase from 26,800 to more than 27,500.

Colin Kavanagh, Director of IPL Structural Services Ltd, explained: “This was one of many fantastic projects that we’ve worked with Newport Galvanizers on, and called upon them for this particular one as we wanted the seats to be protected from the elements and corrosion, and reduce the need for maintenance. We launched IPL Structural Services in July this year due to staff expansion and the acquisition of a company in Baglan, Port Talbot, and very much look forward to working with Newport Galvanizers in the months and years to come.”

Earlier this year, Cardiff City FC installed 650 seats by adding an extra row and converting their existing disable areas, creating another area elsewhere. In addition to the current work being undertaken at the corners of the ground, planning applications have been submitted to local authorities for phase one of a development on the Ninian Stand, which proposes to add a second tier, creating an extra 5,000 general admission seats, as well as a number of commercial and hospitality opportunities.

Mike Small, Sales Manager at Newport Galvanizers, added: “It’s a really rewarding project to work on as so many fans are in strong favour of the past, current and proposed expansions to the grounds. With the latest changes to the club’s TV gantry, interview rooms and press and media facilities, as well as the phase one development plans, the club is in good stead for its upcoming games for the premier league, and will improve the experience for many fans and visitors for months to come.”

If the latest plans for the first phase of development for the club are approved, work on the Ninian Stand will commence early October with completion dates scheduled for 18-25th July 2014.